38 pages 1 hour read

Chinua Achebe

A Man of the People

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1966

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe, young teacher Odili Samalu becomes disillusioned with the corrupt political practices of Minister Nanga, initially accepting his hospitality but soon deciding to challenge him politically, all while navigating personal relationships and addressing broader political unrest in a newly independent African nation.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Chinua Achebe's A Man of the People is lauded for its incisive political satire and rich cultural commentary. Critics praise Achebe's adept character development and masterful prose. However, some feel the plot can be predictable and that its brief length limits deeper exploration of themes. Overall, it remains a potent critique of post-colonial corruption.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Man of the People?

A reader who would enjoy A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe is likely interested in African literature, postcolonial themes, and political satire. Comparable to readers of Things Fall Apart by Achebe and The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah, they appreciate stories about societal change and moral complexities.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Satire

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Politics / Government

Period

Heinemann African Writers

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Revenge